In Response to Taiwan Affairs Office, Shen Boyang Calls Himself a 'Genius Angler'

(Central News Agency, reporter Liu Jianbang, Taipei, 11th) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Boyang, when asked today about comments made by a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), responded that he is personally very pleased and that people can call him a 'genius angler.' He emphasized that exchanges with China always involve so-called preset political preconditions.

Shen gave a joint interview in the afternoon. Media asked about his recent statement that he does not rule out exchanges with China and that his most desired city to visit is Beijing. TAO spokesperson Zhang Xiao stated at a regular press conference the previous day that Shen is a listed 'pro-independence diehard' who is overestimating himself and playing to the gallery, and is not worth commenting on.

In response, Shen said he is personally very happy and that people can call him a 'genius angler.' He noted that when he proposed holding a 'Capital Forum,' the TAO immediately acted out what he had previously described as 'exchanges with political preconditions.' This shows that exchanges with China now come with preset political conditions, he argued.

Shen explained that he proposed capital-to-capital exchanges, but the TAO claimed he was trying to split the country and that he must accept political preconditions to proceed. He contrasted this with the red panda exchange between Taiwan and Japan, which required no acknowledgment that Taiwan is part of Japan. Exchanges with preset political preconditions are unequal and inefficient, he said.

Shen stated he has consistently emphasized that Taipei, as a capital city, should engage more with other world cities. He proposed an international exchange forum called 'Infinite City,' which could include Shanghai and Beijing, but criticized the current 'Twin City Forum' for not including other cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London. He believes that exchanges with international cities represent the proper stature of Taipei as a capital.

When asked if he would seek advice on urban governance from Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, Shen said the Kaohsiung city government's experience in urban governance is highly valuable, including areas like industrial transformation, concert economy, and public sector construction. He plans to seek their advice when time permits.

Asked about the Taipei City Government's recent responses to issues he raised, Shen said the city government's responses still tend to 'answer B when asked A.' However, as a challenger and candidate, he finds it natural for the opponent to engage in political attacks. He noted that the issues he raises reflect grassroots voices and the concerns of ordinary citizens. If the city government maintains this attitude, it may negatively affect citizens' perception of the city government. (Editor: Xiao Bowen) 1150611